The night was silent.
Too silent.
Li Xian had barely taken a few steps beyond the academy grounds when—
He stopped.
A shadow stood in front of him.
Still.
Unmoving.
Moonlight fell just enough to reveal a figure.
Tall.
Familiar.
No expression.
No smile.
Just cold eyes watching him.
Zhao Han.
Li Xian's breath hitched slightly.
"…You."
Zhao Han didn't move.
"Looks like," he said calmly, "you're ready to go somewhere."
Silence.
For once—
Li Xian had no words.
His mind raced.
Why is he here?
Did he follow me?
Is he going to report me?
Will everything end here?
And the worst thought—
…Will he betray me?
Li Xian's fingers tightened slightly at his side.
"…You shouldn't be here," he said finally, voice low.
Zhao Han's gaze didn't shift.
"Neither should you."
A pause stretched between them.
Heavy.
Uncertain.
Li Xian forced a small smirk, though it didn't reach his eyes.
"Can't sleep. Thought I'd take a walk."
Zhao Han stepped forward slightly.
One step.
Enough to close the distance.
"At night?"
Li Xian held his gaze.
"…Yes."
Another silence.
Zhao Han's eyes narrowed just a fraction.
"You're lying."
Li Xian let out a quiet breath.
Of course he knew.
"…Then why are you here?" Li Xian asked.
Zhao Han didn't answer immediately.
His gaze remained fixed on Li Xian.
Cold.
Unreadable.
Watch him.
The command echoed clearly in his mind—
His father's voice.
Cold. Absolute.
Zhao Han's expression didn't change.
But his eyes darkened, just slightly.
"…I saw you leave," he said finally.
That was all.
Nothing more.
Li Xian studied him carefully.
Trying to read something—anything.
But there was nothing to find.
"And now?" Li Xian asked. "Going to report me?"
"…If I wanted to, I already would have."
That answer lingered.
Strangely heavy.
Li Xian exhaled slowly.
"…Then move."
Zhao Han didn't.
"Where are you going?"
Li Xian hesitated.
Just for a second.
"…Somewhere I need to be."
Zhao Han's gaze sharpened.
"That place… is dangerous."
Li Xian froze.
He knows?
"…You don't know that," Li Xian replied.
Zhao Han stepped closer again.
Close enough now.
"I know enough."
Another thought crossed his mind—
Unwanted.
If something happens to him…
His grip tightened slightly.
"…I'm coming with you."
Li Xian's eyes widened slightly.
"What?"
"That wasn't a request."
For a moment—
Neither moved.
Li Xian exhaled slowly.
Frustrated. Confused.
And strangely… relieved.
"…You're unbelievable."
Zhao Han didn't respond.
But he didn't leave either.
And just like that—
Li Xian understood one thing clearly.
Whatever was waiting ahead—
Zhao Han would be there.